Samsung Unveils the Rugged Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (Update)

*Update on 10/7/2013 2.45 pm: The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (Urban Grey) will be available in Singapore from 13 July at a recommended retail price of $898 (inclusive of GST). You can purchase the handset from telecommunication operators, major consumer electronics and IT stores, and Samsung Experience Stores. The Orange Flare model will be available from end July.

*Update on 20/6/2013 11.20 pm: We just spotted the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active on IDA Equipment Search List. It is stated to support 4G LTE, and will be available in Singapore in Q3.

Originally reported on 5/6/2013

It seem as though Samsung has something to announce every week as it just unveiled another variant of its flagship model, the Galaxy S4 Active.

Positioned as a more rugged device, the Galaxy S4 Active has dust and water resistance (IP67), which places it in the same league as the Sony Xperia Z. It sports a fully sealed design to keep dust particles at bay and protects against water damages for up to 30 minutes of submergence at a depth of 1 meter. The 3.5mm audio output jack is also water-resistant.

There are other notable differences in specs between the two Galaxy S4 models. For example, the Galaxy S4 Active features a 5.0-inch LCD display instead of a Super AMOLED. In addition, it has a lower 8-megapixel rear camera.

Due to its new design, the Galaxy S4 Active weighs heavier at 151g and is bigger at 139.7 x 71.3 x 9.1mm. Here's a quick look at the two Galaxy S4 models and how the Galaxy S4 Active compares with the Sony Xperia Z: -

Device

Samsung Galaxy S4

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active

Sony Xperia Z

OS

Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core 1.9GHz

Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core 1.9GHz

Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad-core 1.5GHz

RAM

2GB

2GB

2GB

Storage

16GB
(microSD support up to 64GB)

16GB
(microSD support up to 64GB)

16GB
(microSD support up to 32GB)

Display

5-inch Super AMOLED

5-inch TFT LCD

5-inch TFT Reality Display

Resolution

1,920 x 1,080 pixels

1,920 x 1,080 pixels

1,920 x 1,080 pixels

Cameras

Rear: 13MP
Front: 2MP

Rear: 8MP
Front : 2-megapixel

Rear: 13-megapixel
Front: 2-megapixel

Battery Capacity

2600mAh

2600mAh

2330mAh

Dimensions
Weight

136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9mm / 130g

139.7 x 71.3 x 9.1mm / 151g

139 x 71 x 7.9 mm / 146g

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active will be available for purchase beginning this summer, withinitial retail in the U.S. and Sweden. It is expected to be available in Singapore in Q3 2013. It will be offered in three different color options: Urban Grey, Dive Blue and Orange Flare. Specific availability will vary depending on the market.

Media requests and invited partners will be offered hands-on demonstrations with the device at the Samsung Premiere 2013 GALAXY & ATIV in London on 20 June, Thursday. We will be there to cover the event live and share our initial impressions of the device.